Training on Capacity Building for Councilors in Mwanza Region

Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) in collaboration with Integrity Watch (IW) organized a capacity building training for male and female councilors in order to improve the understanding of their leadership role and legislative responsibilities as well as to build their skills and capacity to participate to a greater extend in council decision-making. The workshop was held from 2nd to 4th August 2017 and attended by 47 elected and special seats councilors from 6 district councils of Mwanza City, Ilemela, Magu, Kwimba, Sengerema and Buchosa.

The training content had been developed by mainstreaming gender into all aspects of facilitation, using the unique approach of empowering male councilors as change agents for women’s rights. This is based on the recognition that men are important stakeholders to support women claiming their space in decisions making bodies.

In her speech Nyamaga District Commissioner, Hon. Mary Onesmo Tesha reminded the councilors of their key role in national development, given the fact that most of the government activities are implemented through local government. She also encouraged women to become more active in political processes as only few women participate and hold positions in politics: “In the whole of lake zone, there are only three or four elected women councilors, the rest are special seats”, she said.

This training will be followed by a mentorship program for all 47 councilors who will learn how to improve their skills and competence, gaining popularity in the council and beyond, retaining their positions and being able to compete for parliamentary seats in the next election.